Ecological Attributes of Restored Ecosystems

Abstract

In this chapter we identify and describe eleven ecological attributes that characterize ecosystems as being successfully restored. The reappearance of these attributes signifies that ecological recovery as described in chapter 4 has occurred satisfactorily. The first four are directly attainable attributes that manifest in response to biophysical interventions conducted by practitioners at restoration project sites. These attributes include an appropriate species composition as determined by the reference model, initial development of community structure, an abiotic environment that supports the biota, and a landscape context that facilitates normal flows and exchanges organisms and materials with surrounding areas and that lacks threats to the restored ecosystem.